Linga Yoga
“According to Vīraśaiva/Liṅgᾱyata philosophy, The Absolute (Śūnya), when
activated by its own power, becomes ‘The Liṅga’ that is to be worshipped, and
the ‘Aṅga’ that is the worshipper. After this apparent division, the Aṅga is still
within the Liṅga and the Liṅga is as complete/infinite (pūrṇa) as before. Hence,
everything is only one and there is no other; this is non-duality or oneness
(advaitism). Liṅga is the highest Reality capable of being realized through
devotional worship and meditation. Aṅga is a Jīva (soul) devoted to the worship
of Liṅga. Any individual soul cannot be an Aṅga; only when Jīva becomes a
worshipper of Liṅga, then it becomes an Aṅga. It is said that, Liṅga puts the
devotional activity, Bhakti, into Aṅga, so that Aṅga will have the ability to attain
oneness with Liṅga (Liṅgᾱṅga sᾱmarasya). Thus, Aṅga is the Individual Self, and
Liṅga is the Universal Self. The main aim of the Liṅgᾱyatas/Vīraśaivas is to
attain oneness of the Individual Self and the Universal Self. The attainment
where Aṅga and Liṅga become one is Liṅgāṅga-sāmarasya. It is also called
Śūnya-saṁpādane, the attainment of the Absolute state. This monism
philosophy is called Liṅga-advaita (Liṅgᾱdvaita) philosophy of Liṅgᾱyatas….”
For continued reading see: VSNA.ORG-Publications-Linga-Yoga

1

The 38th VSNA Convention will be held on
Friday, July 3rd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday, July 4th 2015
At Marriot Hanover, Whippany, New Jersey
Register by visiting
http://www.vsnaconvention.com

Let us come together to celebrate, learn, and imbibe the simplicity
and richness of Philosophy of Akkamahadevi, Basaveshwara,
Allamaprabhu, Channabasavanna and many more Sharanas...

Sharanu Sharanarthi!
Wish you all a very happy Ugadi! As the moon changed its orbit and set in a new year - Yuga (year) and
Adi (beginning), we have all accepted good and bad just like the mixture of jaggery and neem.
The path forward must be spiritually rich and that of awareness. This awareness and spreading it cannot
be stressed enough in these modern days where technology seems to have conquered us greatly. The
following words which are pearls of wisdom from Sri. Sri. Sri. Shivakumara Swamiji who turned 108 on the
1st of April this year, perfectly led the light for spreading spiritual awareness.

Let us adopt this message and contribute through our best capacity for inculcating simple yet profound
tenets of the Lingayath dharma.
Team Baandhavya is grateful to the new contributors of this edition and as always, duly encourages
everyone else to participate literarily and make a difference to one and all. We could be reached at
newsletter@vsna.org for subsequent contributions, feedback or just comments.
Regards,
Supriya Antin Kaddargi

4

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

March 31, 2015
Dear VSNA Members & Patrons,
Through this 1st VSNA Newsletter of 2015-2016 term, I would like to thank the members of VSNA for giving me
this opportunity to lead the organization. VSNA has withstood the test of time for the last 38 years. The
organization will forever, remain strong mainly due to its resolute mission to preserve, protect and propagate the
universal teachings of Basaveshwara and his contemporizes in the region of North America.
While the mission of VSNA remains strong, we as its members have a long way to get better organized, and my
main goal is to lead the organization to get better organized. During this quarter, we are already underway with
the planning of the Two-Year Agenda containing 15 major tasks. The Central VSNA Leadership team consisting
of Officers, BOD, BOR, Chapter-Presidents and many volunteers have come forward to actively participate and
contribute to the implementation of the plan. So far, we held around 20 brain-storming sessions with over 20
leaders actively participating. Among the 15 tasks, most important one was to mobilize the New York Chapter to
host the 2015 VSNA Annual Convention, and to begin planning for conventions for the next 5 years!
The New York Chapter will be hosting the 2015 VSNA Annual Convention after 12 years. The last one hosted
by the chapter was in 2003. The young and energetic team of New York chapter has been working very hard to
make this event a great success. I had the opportunity to meet them all in person during their Shivarathri program,
and I could see their energy and the efforts to make this a successful event. However, the success of the event
depends on the support from all VSNA members. I personally request all VSNA Members and patrons to register
early at the 2015-VSNA-Convention-Site.
The details on the tasks of the Two-Year Agenda is given in the Central VSNA Updates section of this newsletter.
Besides the updates in the newsletter, Central VSNA will be notifying our members directly via email and through
Chapter-Presidents, any major news and announcements.
This edition also contains important spiritual thoughts to improve ourselves on our day-to-day behavioral patterns
and emotional wellbeing. We hope Baandhavya will make an inspiring and enjoyable reading for our members.
Please send your feedback and contributions to newsletter@vsna.org.
Thanks to all contributors to this edition of Newsletter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Baandhavya.
Regards,
Channu Kambalyal
President, VSNA

Dr. Sree Sree Sree Shivakumara Swamiji
Siddaganga Mutt, Tumkur
Humble salutations and greetings to Padmabhushana Karnataka Ratna, Dr. Sree Sree Sree Shivakumara Swamiji on His
108th birthday!
‘Walking God’ as He is justly referred to, Swamiji is the senior most Lingayath pontiff today who has set unprecedented
standards of dharma and dasoha through His kayaka. Unparalleled and reflective of spiritual strength, just as Lord
Basaveshwara described,

‘ಎನ್ನ ಕಾಲ ೇ ಕಂಬ, ದ ೇಹವ ೇ ದ ೇಗುಲ, ಶಿರವ ೇ ಹ ೊನ್ನ ಕಳಸವ ೈಯ್ಯ...’
Swamiji himself represents the resolute pillars of a supremely divine temple with a crowning kalasha that adorns the spiritual
excellence He has achieved.
Siddaganga Mutt stands out today for being a humble yet strong humanitarian establishment that provides free education,
lodging and boarding for over 10,000 children from all walks of life. It is through Swamiji’s vision and dedication, many
generations today and in the past have been educated and looked after with the firm foundation of Basava tatvas of equality,
social welfare and spirituality. The lives and families thereby transformed are countless and the difference enduring.
All along, Swamiji the sage behind this force has been the same unwavering and courteously respectful master for over 80
years, living with his pupils, blessing and inspiring one and all to progress in life. Just a glimpse into Swamiji’s life prominently
indicates how age is only figurative and doesn’t deter Him from continuing the impeccable service to society. Even to this
day, Swamiji maintains a highly disciplined schedule waking up at 2 am embracing every morning with Linga Pooja in the
wee hours which is followed by developmental and administrative activities of the Mutt, spending time with children and
their prayers, supervising their studies and food and, pursuing philosophical reading.
Mankind is truly fortunate to have this opportunity and get blessed by a saint like Swamiji. A trip to India definitely calls for
a visit to the Siddaganga Mutt to experience the level of dasoha Swamiji has put in practice through his kayaka. The air in
Siddaganga Mutt resonates ‘Soham ennade Dasoham endenisayya’ (Talk Service and not Self) and it is for us to perceive
it best through Swamiji.
It will always be the most earnest and humble prayer with the Almighty to seek Swamiji’s best health and blessings. Long
live Swamiji and His legacy!
Following are some special pictures of Swamiji:

9

About the author: Smt. Supriya Antin Kaddargi is banking professional and an active VSNA member from Chicago
chapter. She has authored the book 'Spiritual Transcendence', a biography of Sri. Jadeya Shantalingeshwara
Swamiji.

10

I am, You are, And We Are

By – Yuvaraj Patil, Toronto
ಶಿಲ ಯೊಳಗಣ ಪಾವಕನ್ಂತ

Our god, how does he exist?

ಉದಕದ ೊಳಗಣ ಪ್ರತಿಬಂಬದಂತ
God exists as fire in stone, as image in water, as a
tree in the seed, as silence in sound. God exists.

ಬಂಧು ನಿೇನ್ು ಬಳಗ ನಿೇನ್ು;
Start with your parents, your relatives, your friends,
your teachers and soon you will start seeing him in
everyone. I am, you are and we are creation and
small symbol of creator.

ನಿೇನ್ಲಲದ ಮ್ತಾೆರು ಇಲಲವಯ್ಯ!
ಕೊಡಲಸಂಗಮ್ದ ೇವ,
ಹಾಲಲದುದ ನಿೇರಲದುದ.

Source: Vachanas from Allama Prabhu, Basavanna

About the author: Yuvaraj Patil is a BOD Members of Central VSNA. Earlier Yuvaraj served as Toronto Chapter President and 2000
VSNA Convention Chair. Yuvaraj is an Information Technology professional currently based in California.

This simple vachana says a lot about how to let go our ego in order to create a positive environment within one-self and
others.
Vachana in Kannada:

Explanation:

"ಏನ್ು ಬಂದಿರಿ, ಹದುಳವಿದಿಿರ ?" ಎಂದರ

This vachana advocates the importance of developing positive environments for
all our interactions. This can only be done by taking the initiative to greet the
other party, enquiring about their well-being, offering them any support needed
to make them comfortable. Even though there is not much to offer, or an
inclination to yield to the other party during the ensuing interactions, the gracious
gesture is a must.

If you greet others at the first sight with
"Please come in, How do you do?”
Does your physical beauty disappear? (Do
you turn ugly?)
If you say "Please sit down",
Does your floor cave in?
If you are the first one to greet (without
waiting for the other to be the first),
Does your head or belly burst?
You may not have anything to give. But, if
you do not have the grace to greet,
The Lord (Kudala Sangama) will pull you
down and chop your nose!

We often tend to ignore other’s presence because of our state of mind at that
time, or preoccupation with other tasks, or out of willful negligence. These
scenarios are more apt to occur in the multitasking world of today. Reflecting on
what might have contributed to similar scenarios in fairly simple lives of twelfth
century when this vachana was written; it is easy to see that the ego of the
individual is the main contributing factor. Our ego stops us from greeting people
properly and respecting every individual as equal. By saying that we should
develop the grace to greet, the vachana is advocating the containment of ego
and development of respect for all. The last line mentions that the Lord will pull
you down and chop the nose. Chopping the nose is considered the harshest
punishment on an individual. The Lord being referred to in this line is the Lord
within us. He does not physically chop our nose. But, our egotistic behavior will
eventually pull us down, punishing us to the level equivalent to chopping the
nose.
Very often we see that our friends, colleagues and family members seem bored,
distant or even alienated. We often react by mirroring their behavior. It is
essential thus, to get people to react more positively to us throughout the day
whether in the office, at home or on the street. We can establish a pleasant
environment by being first to greet with a smile, enquiring about the well-being of
the individuals and their families, and making them comfortable by offering a
seat, or a drink, etc. if needed. Such welcome clears the air even if one has
arrived to discuss an unpleasant matter. This vachana urges us to be the first to
take such an initiative. Even if we do not have anything to offer (give), we should
develop the grace to greet to start off a positive interpersonal relationship and
environment.
It is natural to think “why do I have to set the tone?” We have to take the initiative
because most people have already defined their life patterns and are not likely
to change them. If we want our interaction with them to be upbeat, we have to
create an environment where we can get the reaction we want. We must use
positive words and tone, even when we have to give instructions or express
dislike for someone’s behavior. Let us remember “we get back what we give out”.
ಶಿವಶರಣರ ಜೇವನ್ ದೃಷ್ಟೆ ಅದುುತವಾದದುಿ. ಅವರು ’ಈ ಜಗತುು ಮಿಥ್ಯ’ ಎಂದು ಹ ೇಳದ “ಇಲಿಲ ಸಲುಲವವರು
ಅಲಿಲಯ್ೊ ಸಲುಲವರು” ಎಂದು ಹ ೇಳ್ಳರುವರು. ಈ ಸಮಾಜದಲಿಲ ನಾವು ಯೇಗಯರಾಗಿ ಬಾಳಬ ೇಕು.
ಜನ್ರ ೊಂದಿಗಿನ್ ಒಳ್ ಿಯ್ ಸಂಬಂಧ ಎಲಲರಿಗೊ ನ ಮ್ಮದಿ ಕ ೊಡುವಂತಹದು. ಆದರ ಅಹಮಿಮನ್ ನ್ಡತ ಯಂದ
ಎಲಲರ ನ ಮ್ಮದಿಯ್ೊ ಕ ಡುತುದ . ಒಳ್ ಿಯ್ ಸಂಬಂಧ ಬ ಳ್ ಸುವಲಿಲ ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ಪಕ್ಷ ಪ್ರೇತಿಯ್ ಮಾತು
ಮ್ುಖ್ಯವಾದದುಿ. ಅದಕ ೆ ಅಡಿಿಯಾಗಿ ಬರುವುದು ಅಹಂಕಾರ. ಈ ವಚನ್ದಲಿಲ ಬಸವಣಣನ್ವರು ಮ್ನ ಗ
ಬಂದವರ ೊಂದಿಗ ವತಿಿಸುವ ಬಗ ಯ್ನ್ುನ ಹ ೇಳುತಿುದಾಿರ .
ಮ್ನ ಗ ಬಂದವರ ೊಂದಿಗ ಪ್ರೇತಿಯಂದ ಮಾತನಾಡದವರನ್ುನ ಕುರಿತು, ಅವರು ಹಾಗ ಮಾಡಲು,
ಸಂಭವಿಸಲಾರದ ಪರಮಾವಧಿಯ್ (extreme) ಕಾರಣಗಳನ್ುನ ತಾವ ೇ ಕ ೊಡುತು “ತಾವು ಕುಶಲವ ೇ?

About the authors: Dr. Sajjan Shiva is Professor and Chairman of the Computer Science Department at the University of
Memphis, Tennessee, Fellow of IEEE, teacher, researcher and consultant since 1975. He is an author of 100+ articles in
software engineering, cyber security and computer architecture, authored four books used by 120+ universities. Through his
weekly blog http://vachanaaweek.blogspot.com he has translated and written commentaries on 200+ Vachanas so far. He
has served as the chairman of the VSNA BOR and has been a life member since 1990.

Mrs. Leela Garady is the co-author on http://vachanaaweek.blogspot.com. Leela Garady has an M.A. in Hindi from Bangalore
University. She has developed new ways of teaching language to children. She has written and directed plays in Kannada
and Hindi for the students at CFL.

13

Iṣṭaliṅga
Linga Raju, M. D.,
Plainview, New York
Iṣṭaliṅga is the physical form of Liṅga that is worn on the body by Vīraśaivas. It is bestowed to the disciple by a Guru. Simple
meaning of ‘Iṣṭa’ is ‘adored’ or ‘desired’. Worshipping is a form of adoration. The term ‘Iṣṭa’ has been used in the Ĉhᾱndōgya
Upaniṣad VIII.5.1 to mean ‘longing for the attainment of’, in the context of attaining oneness with the Ᾱtman (Self) (1).
Therefore, it can be said that Iṣṭaliṅga is the symbolic Liṅga used for worshipping and longing for the attainment of the true
Liṅga.
Liṅgadhᾱraṇasthala, the fifth sthala in the one-hundred-one sthala Sanskrit Vīraśaiva Doctrine Siddhᾱnta Śikhᾱmaṇi (2)
says that the Guru should take up a Liṅga which is made out of the stone of a great mountain like Śrīśaila, and infuse the
luster of Liṅga as the one in Ōṁ form into that Liṅga, and then the Guru should create harmony between the Liṅga and the
vital airs of the disciple, and place the Liṅga on the palm of the disciple. That Liṅga is the Iṣṭaliṅga that is to be worn on the
body, and after the death of the body, to be buried in the ground with the body.
Śūnya Saṁpᾱdane, the main scripture of the Vīraśaivas (3) states that the Vīraśaivas consider Liṅga to have taken tripleform in the body, life and mind as Iṣṭaliṅga, Prᾱṇaliṅga and Bhᾱvaliṅga respectively. Thus, Iṣṭaliṅga represents the body,
and it is one of the three divisions of Liṅga. It is to be noted that Iṣṭaliṅga is not an idol or an image of the true Liṅga, it is
the Liṅga itself as one of its three divisions. Vīraśaiva sadbhakti requires not only the liberation of the soul but also the
liberation of the body, life and mind. And what is more important is that all these three are to be made into the nature of the
Divine, and be united with the Divine. It is through the realization of these three Liṅga divisions that one has to advance and
attain to the Absolute (3).
In spiritual life, the aspirant is hampered by dogmatic rites, egoism, attachment to the world, etc. Unless one has rid oneself
of these, one cannot make any progress in spiritual attainment. The concept of discipline or spiritual practice is
important. But the real worship is not with material things, it is with pure devotion and knowledge. To an ordinary
devotee, the details of the physical acts of Iṣṭaliṅga worship are necessary only to strengthen the will. First there is worship
in the gross form as worship of the physical Iṣṭaliṅga. Then the worship shifts to the internal worship of the formless internal
Liṅga. Bhakti is the root of worship whether the worship is external or internal.
If one claims that the mere wearing of an Iṣṭaliṅga, and ritualistic worship of Iṣṭaliṅga guarantee liberation from the
cycle of births and deaths, that person is mistaken. Undue preoccupation with traditional or customary rites and rituals
associated with the Iṣṭaliṅga worship are condemned by Prabhudēva (3). He says something like this:
If one ties a packet of food to the belly, would the hunger go away?
If one hangs fast an Iṣṭaliṅga to one’s trunk, would one become a bhakta?
If one fixes a stone on a bush, is that stone a Liṅga?
Will that bush become a bhakta? And is the one who put it there a Guru?
When I see such a one, O Guhēśvara, I blush for shame.
I blush to see those who pluck the outer Iṣṭaliṅga and worship the outer…
But if I see a wink-less Liṅga within and worship it within the flower of my mind, the shame ebbs,
and I am all free from doubt.
The external Iṣṭaliṅga will be of any value only if it stimulates the spiritual growth of the soul. If the seeker is to gain
strength in this pursuit, the seeker cannot have it by blind belief or perverse argument. Firm faith, coupled with thought and
practice, is necessary for spiritual advancement. Each individual is responsible for working out his or her own relation to
Liṅga and to Liṅga’s grace.
Śaraṇa Ghaṭṭivāḷayya (3) declares: ‘Śivalṅga is the one that is worshipped in a Static form (in the temples) on earth.
Iṣṭaliṅga is the one that is worshipped (externally) in the Dynamic form on earth. But that, abiding within, eternally
upon the point of Consciousness, and gets worshipped internally, is the Vīraśaivaliṅga’.

About the author: Dr. Linga Raju, M.D. is VSNA life member, native of Davaṇagere, India. Dr. Raju is a prominent Internal Medicine
and Pulmonary Diseases physician. He has written spiritual publications - “A Journey through Hindu and Vīraśaiva Concepts’, and
‘SIDDHĀNTA ŚIKHĀMAṆ; The one hundred one sthala doctrine A concise composition’.

15

Embarrassing and Insulting Situations!..
Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru
Dr Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, Sirigere
[Translated from Kannada by - Dr. Annapur Shivakumar, Libertyville, IL]
The mental torture resulting from unintentionally carried out actions that differ somewhat from the customary manners and
practices are referred to as Embarrassments. Although these do not involve moral issues as such, they do cause
considerable damage to one’s ego and personality. A boy riding a bicycle to School falls down due to imbalance. His peers
laugh at him even as he falls. The fallen boy feels ashamed. If he pretends that nothing happened to him, he is ridiculed
more. Psychologists say that the solution for that is for you yourself to join with those who are laughing at you, instead of
showing your displeasure. As you do that, it becomes harder for others to continue laughing and the ridiculing stops. They
recommend you to be aware of the incidence and take care not to create a similar situation again. It is natural for everyone
to face a few embarrassing situations in their lives. The severity of embarrassment becomes proportionately greater to the
number of people who notice such incidents. The more you try to cover them up, the more you are prone to be ridiculed. It
is better just to ignore it or laugh it off. People soon forget it. They opine that to cry, to react, or to get angry is useless in
such situations.
In some instances, even if an embarrassing situation is created by one individual’s behavior, it becomes an embarrassment
to a second person who hasn’t done any such thing. There was an English teacher named C.P.B., for short, in one of the
schools run by our Math. He is still highly regarded by many as an affectionate teacher loved by most students. He used
to meet us often during our leisurely evening walks from the Math to the School campus and would dutifully bend down to
touch our feet and pay his respects. Because his home was on our walking path, these meetings were fairly frequent. He
had stayed on at Sirigere since his retirement and due to his advancing age his eyesight was getting weaker. Highly
dedicated person that he was towards the Math and the Guruji, once he thought he had seen us from a distance and
assumed that we were on our walk. As we were passing by his home he had bent down and touched the feet as usual. But
the one who came that way on that day was not me. It was a Muslim lady wearing a red saree! ‘O! Master, it’s me, Fatima”,
shrieked that Moslem lady and fell at the teacher’s feet and begged his pardon. The lady was clearly more embarrassed
than the teacher!
You need not be surprised if I tell you that sometimes people with no fault get embarrassed instead of the one who was
responsible for creating that situation. Remember your childhood. Everyone born in this world has grown up into adulthood
embarrassing their mothers in one way or the other. A mother does not need an explanation for the phrase, ‘An undisciplined
child embarrasses his mother’. Oftentimes, a person is not aware of his fault in the beginning, but begins to feel extremely
embarrassed after being told what he has done. A mother had gone on a pilgrimage to Tirupati with his son. While signing
in to a hotel, the hotel owner noticing her son asked her in Telugu who was the accompanying boy. Not versed well in
Telugu language, the mother thought that a simple addition of the prefix “...du’ to any word, like Ramudu, Bheemudu, would
suffice, and replied, “magadu” (‘maga’ means ‘son’ in kannada). But she did not know that in telugu, ‘mogadu’ means
‘husband’!
It is not always easy for a person subjected to embarrassment to laugh it off and forget the incidence. For example, consider
the following incidence. A few years ago, Prince Charles of Britain came to visit the ‘Panna Tiger Reserve’, the National
Park primarily maintained for protection of tigers near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. With all due respects befitting the Royalty,
the Prince was driven towards the preserve. The light was fading as the day was turning to dusk. All along the way women
were sitting for their toilet chores. As the lights from the approaching car struck them, they would stand up instantly. The
Prince, noticing this, asked why they were all standing up like that. With the fast reflexes typical of an administrative officer,
the district collector replied, “Sir, they were all waiting for your arrival and now they got up to greet you”! Dr. Manu Kulkarni
is saddened by this incidence and has aptly commented in his recent book, “Managing Human Development”, that our
country’s bureaucracy is more concerned about safeguarding the false image of the country than to address the honor
issues of our unfortunate women. In this regard, I really liked the “Purification of Karnataka Plan” projected by the
Government of Karnataka several years ago. Under this plan, we had selected from our Math, hundreds of villages in
Davangere and Chitradurga districts and built toilet facilities. The villagers were immensely happy. A very old woman had
approached me on one occasion and bending down to touch my feet, had remarked, ‘Swamiji, you have upheld the dignity
of our women folk’ reflecting the utter negligence that is accorded to our women folk.
The Christian belief is that shyness that is inherent in man started with ‘Adam and Eve’. The legend says that Adam and
Eve, believed to be the first father and mother of this human race, were walking naked everywhere in the garden of ‘Eden’
without any embarrassment whatsoever. The God had instructed them that they could eat any fruit in that garden except
the fruit from an apple tree. Accordingly, they obeyed that command for a long time. However, prompted by Satan
mischievously, once Eve plucked an apple and shared it with Adam. Christians believe that eating the forbidden apple made
them conscious of their nudity and they tried to cover their nakedness. Complete blame is directed towards ‘Eve’ for all the

16

sadness and grief that has befallen mankind as she disobeyed Adam’s advice not to touch the forbidden apple. As NonChristians, we cannot accept their logic that Adam had no part in this action and the fault lies with only Eve. He had a desire
to taste the forbidden fruit too. Eve just happened to be a medium to satisfy his desire. In Adam, actually we can trace man’s
inherent habit of switching the blame on others. It can be argued that even if Eve did pluck the apple, she was not selfish as
she did not hide it from Adam and eat it all by herself. Whether it is a man or a woman, a part of Satan resides in everyone.
The main goal of any religion is to suppress and destroy the resident Satan in everyone. As said in Katopanishath,
“shreyashcha preyashcha manushyamethah”, the shreyas (the good) and preyas (the bad) seek every human being. We
need to understand that the decision to choose one of them is ours.
Even if the pain is unbearable for a person who has been embarrassed, it does not last long. Embarrassments happen
without notice and in due course, they are forgotten. No one has any ulterior motives behind those instances. But it is not
the same with Insults. They do not happen by themselves. Behind them is a person creating them. The mental torture that
an insulted person undergoes knowing that it was premeditated by another human being is unimaginable. Let us look at
some instances.
Duryodhana after having won over Dharamaraya in the game of dice, mainly through the treachery of Shakuni, sends a
messenger to bring Draupadi to the royal court. Draupadi refuses to go to the court when the messenger brings the royal
order. She sends the message, ‘was it proper for Dharmaraya (what right did he have?) to wager me after having wagered
and lost himself and his brothers. Let the elders in the royal court discuss and decide on this before I can enter the royal
court”. Hearing this message from the messenger, Duryodhana gets very angry and orders his brother Dushyasana to go
and drag Draupadi to the royal court. Listen to the dialogue between Draupadi and Dushyasana as narrated by Kumara
Vyasa:
You are the King’s brother and
My brother-in-law as well, what is wrong here
Dharmaraya may have lost, but let me get the response to my question
Brother, listen to me, it is the day of my period now
Entrance to the royal court
Improper is it not, go tell the king – hearing this he gets enraged ||
From where is the query and from where is the response?
You may have your periods now
So will you become fertile in the Kaurava Lord’s court
Five of them are all lost
What is proper or improper?
Show it there – so saying he starts dragging her by her hair ||
When Draupadi very politely says, “You are my brother-in-law, Dharamaraya may have lost. But let me get the proper
response to my query. I have my periods now and it is not proper for me to enter the royal court in my condition. Please go
and tell the king”, Dushyasana ignores her words and arrogantly responds while dragging her by her hair, “You have your
periods here; you will also become fertile there in the court of Duryodhana. His lewd behavior towards his sister-in-law
considered motherly in stature, appears unbearable. Such caustic words often leave an imprint for revenge in the minds of
the insulted person. The result of such lewd words brings the worst of Bheema to the fore making him appear as a
‘bloodhound’ as he utters these ominous words of vow, “The undone hair of Draupadi will get sprinkled and showered with
blood from Dushyasana’s heart”.
Dear readers! Like our women folk from villages sing, ‘Gone are the grains of our corn, but the rhymes of our song still
remain’, so does our woeful tales of women not finished as yet. Please digest the lines from above until next week. When
you look at the atrocities committed on modern women in our contemporary society, does it not make you feel that
Mahabharata is still very much alive?
About the Author: Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru - Dr Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, Sirigere is an eminent Sanskrit
scholar with Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University. His Holiness is also the President of the Education Society. Treading
the path of his predecessor, the Swamiji has been relentlessly striving for the betterment of the rural poor and the
downtrodden. He has been contributing to the society in many ways and accessible to common man by writing weekly
column (Every Thursday) in well-known Kannada daily under the caption "BISILU BELADINGALU". The collection of
these articles are also available in serious of books published by "Taralabalu Prakashana" as well as in Mutt's official
website i.e., www.taralabalu.org.

About the Translator Author: Dr. Shivakumar Annapur is the VSNA Life Member and one of the senior members of
Chicago Chapter. Dr. Shivakumar is also the former-President of Vidyaranya Kannada Koota (VKK) and editor of
Sangama of VKK.

17

The Brave Heart of the Ancient Women!
Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru
Dr Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, Sirigere
[Translated from Kannada by: Dr. Annapur Shivakumar, Libertyville, IL]
In the earlier article, you saw how the incidence of lewd behavior and disrobing of Draupadi by Dushyasana and Duryodhana
transformed an insultful situation into hatred culminating in the great battle of Mahabharata. If the words and actions of an
individual are filled with good intentions, the results will certainly be good. In this regard, it is worthwhile to recall Sarvagna’s
three line stanza (tripadi) –

Speech elicits laughter, Speech creates friction
Speech begets all fortunes to this world
Speech is the crowning jewel, says Sarvagna I
Basavanna’s statement, “To say Sir (ayya) is heaven, to say –hey you (elavo’) - means hell” or in other words, “To be
humble in your speech is heaven, to be arrogant in your speech is hell”, also exemplifies the varied power of the speech.
Just as it is stated that the pen is mightier than the sword, it could also be said that the speech is sharper than the sword.
The spoken words could be deadlier than a snake’s venom. A snake’s venom kills a person in minutes. But the venom from
the spoken words is not the same. It does not kill the person instantly. It keeps on killing bit by bit, not just one person, but
many! It is the evil nature of some people to be sarcastic in every word coming out of their mouths and to cause mental
anguish in others. Such mean minded people derive sadistic pleasure in hurting other people with their barbed words.

To cite an instance, two relatives who had been fighting over some issue were consoled and brought to compromise with
each other, by some village elders. As a sign of goodwill, a party was arranged in one of their houses where both the parties
happily sat together for dinner. Everyone’s plates were served with delicious dishes. Traditionally a camphor is lit and
salutations are offered by saying, ‘sharanu, sharanaarthi’ (I am at your service, please protect us!) after the food is served
on the plates. But in this case, there was a remnant of that old bad feeling in the hostess who was serving at the table. After
the formal lighting of the camphor she sarcastically let out the words, “my dear brother-in-law, at least now, did your
moustache hit the dirt? Sharanu, Sharanaarthi!” Those sarcastic words enraged the people from the other party. Insult hit
them hard and got them hysterical. The camphor lighted to illumine as a goodwill sign transformed itself into a raging fire
and got both parties into a physical fight!

In some embarrassing and insulting situations, the embarrassed person has very smartly turned the table on the insulting
person. (A few such incidents that I experienced as a student at Kashi Hindu University have been written in these columns
long time ago). Take for instance, the episode pertaining to Anusuyadevi, the great pious spouse of the sage Atri. The Trinity
of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara were on the lookout for a time when sage Atri was away and make an entrance acting
as monks into the monastery. When Anusuyadevi was told their wish for her to be naked when she served food to them,
she was taken aback for a moment, but recovered to show great reflexes and intelligence in that situation. She sprinkles
the water collected from her husband’s feet cleaning (padodaka) on them and transforms all three of them into babies. She
then feeds them milk from her breasts. This portrays how a man can walk the righteous path if they choose to, without
getting perturbed in any critical situation. Some might ridicule such stories as baseless mumblings. But it is important to
remember that all the characters, whether they are Gods, Angels or Sages, who are depicted in our scriptures, are a mere
reflection of human virtues and vices. It is proper to review these stories from a psychological point of view rather than from
a philosophical point of view. Only then we will be able to logically relate our minds of today to the minds of the past.

In everyday life we use words like, guilty consciousness, shame, embarrassment, and insult, without making any distinction
among them. According to psychologists, these terms are not the same but are actually related to different states of the
mind. Guilty consciousness arises when an individual behaves in a way that is different from the ideals he has set for
himself. Knowing fully well that he should not have done that, he keeps doing it time and again due to mental frigidity. As
he keeps doing that, his guilty consciousness keeps fighting him. At some stage, more than likely his inner consciousness
takes control of the situation and transforms him into a new person. Such situations form the life’s turning points.

18

While the guilty consciousness might turn a man around, feelings of shame rarely do that. They manifest negative feelings
like, “I am not a good person, I am bad, there is no one more unfit than me in this universe, no one can correct me”, and
make you look down on yourself. By undergoing this self-degradation path, the person is disgusted with himself, develops
an inferiority complex and becomes a stranger to himself. This type of disgust, elaborating only the negative thoughts, could
often endanger him towards ending his own life.

Compared to all other feelings, embarrassment is not that significant as it does not last long and does not cause any acute
effect on the individual. One can bear it from within such accidental mishaps. But he cannot tolerate insults inflicted upon
him intentionally. He cannot bear to hear accusing words from the people he does not like. Repeated episodes of such
insults will break his patience and he will react. The words, “How long can I tolerate” get transformed into action. In our
present day society we often find this among young women who suffer mental and physical abuse in their husband’s houses.
This reactive pattern is nothing new. We can see this kind of situation in Shakuntalopakyana of the original Vyasa’s
Mahabharata. A drama, ‘Abhignana Shakuntala’ by Mahakavi Kalidasa based on the original Mahabharata got the
commendation, “kavyeshu natakam ramyam tatrapi cha shakuntala’ (Drama is the best in poetry, and Shakuntala is best
among those dramas). But in order make a super hero out of Dushyantha, Kalidasa’s imagination has gone haywire. There
are people who lend support to him saying that it is actually not his fault entirely as he based his drama on ‘Padmapurana.’
The Dushyantha-Shakuntala pair of Vyasa Mahabharata are projected vastly different in both Padmapurana and Kalidasa’s
drama.
In the Shakuntala drama, when the great sage Kanva’s fully pregnant pet daughter arrives at Dushyantha’s palace,
Dushyantha fails to recognize her. Kalidasa’s imagination attributes that lapse of memory to sage Durvasa’s curse. Durvasa
had gotten angry when Shakuntala, pre-occupied with Dushyantha’s thoughts, had not offered rituals proper for a
distinguished guest. When Shakuntala attempts to refresh the memory of her wedding to Dushyantha by showing him the
wedding ring, to her dismay she realizes that the ring was missing from her finger. The ring that was given by Dushyantha
during the celestial marriage (gandharva vivaha) at Kanva’s monastery had inadvertently slipped out of her finger while
bathing in the river. Kalidasa has portrayed Dushyantha as blemishless in this case and justifies his action by stating that
he could have done nothing as it was all fate. But the Vyasa Mahabharata had not portrayed him as innocent. In fact, he
had recognized her alright, but was reluctant to admit it in front of people fearing that he would lose their respect if he
accepted her. Shakuntala tries very hard to convince him about the romantic times they had together and his promise to
crown their son as the prince. But Dushyantha was steadfast in his conviction and refuses to accept her argument. He calls
her an evil witch from the forest and accuses her of scheming to snatch his kingdom away from him. Shakuntala knows that
he is putting up an act that he does not know her. She is enraged and asks him to touch his heart and say that he does not
remember her.
‘yadi me yaachamaanaayaa vachanam na karishtasihi

Dushyantha shathadhaa moordhaa thathasthetadhya pathishtathi ’
Draupadi curses Dushyantha with these words: “Even after revealing the truth in such good words, if you do not accept me
as your wife, let your head be split into tiny pieces.”
‘andaani bibhrathi swani ba bhindhanthi pipeelikaaha
Na barethaaha katham nu thvam dharmagnaha san swamaathmajam’
‘Even ordinary ants do not break the eggs they lay. But a so called gentleman like you are saying that you cannot protect
your family’s infant child. Shame on you!’ says Shakuntala. What a brave heart this Shakuntala from the Vyasa Mahabharat
portrays!

People have not spared bad mouthing even that great saint, Akkamahadevi, who stood far above the worldly feelings of
embarrassment. While at the palace when King Kaushika, blinded by lust, makes advances on her she retorts, ‘My concern
is for myself, your concern is for lust, Let go of my piece of cloth you idiot. My worry is whether my Lord Chennemallikarjuna
accepts me or not.’ This bold emphatic response has no parallel in the annals of religion anywhere. As she leaves
the palace and gets on the street, the insults and innuendos that people hurled at her is hard to imagine. The bold way she
handled these incidents and the following words that she threw at them hardly needs a commentary.

19

Brothers, you came to feast upon the bare breasts,
And the adolescent luster!
Brothers, a woman I am not
Brothers, a prostitute I am not
Brothers, why then you look and look
Who do you think I am that you can approach me?
The face of any man other than
Chennamallikarjuna does not appeal to me, my brothers!
O brothers! Why talk to this woman,
With loose hair, withered face, crumbling body
Why torture, O fathers!
I, with no will power, detached from this world
Turned into a devotee
Casting off caste and in fusion with my Lord Chennamallikarjuna!

About the Author: Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru - Dr Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, Sirigere is an eminent Sanskrit
scholar with Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University. His Holiness is also the President of the Education Society. Treading
the path of his predecessor, the Swamiji has been relentlessly striving for the betterment of the rural poor and the
downtrodden. He has been contributing to the society in many ways and accessible to common man by writing weekly
column (Every Thursday) in well-known Kannada daily under the caption "BISILU BELADINGALU". The collection of
these articles are also available in serious of books published by "Taralabalu Prakashana" as well as in Mutt's official
website i.e., www.taralabalu.org.

About the Translator Author: Dr. Shivakumar Annapur is the VSNA Life Member and one of the senior members of
Chicago Chapter. Dr. Shivakumar is also the former-President of Vidyaranya Kannada Koota (VKK) and editor of
Sangama of VKK.

20

Veerashaiva News around the World
PM Modi to Unveil Basava Statue in London

Dr. Neeraj Patil, former mayor of the London borough of Lambeth, the brain behind the statue met PM Modi in New Delhi
on Tuesday and extended an invitation to him to inaugurate the statue during his visit to the UK, expected sometime in
June-July this year. For more details, please visit the following news online:





Basava Samithi of Australasia – Perth, Australia conducted a very successful Sharana Sammelana in December 2014.
For video recording of the event, please see: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B92Xi9AJzbBzNXFhVWp4R2J2ZGM/edit.

21

Vachana Vijayothasava in Bidar, India

Vachana Vijayothsava was held in Bidar, Karnataka, India on 1, 2 & 3 February 2015 and was broadcasted in
Doordarshan – Chanadana. For more details, please see:



2015-Vachana Vijayothsava – Part I
2015-Vachana Vijayothsava – Part II

22

Central VSNA Updates
BOD Updates
By - Channu Kambalyal, President VSNA
The Central VSNA Board of Directors consisting of 10 elected members, and 21 local chapter presidents and 1 ex-officio
member (past President) have started the work of rejuvenating Central VSNA via their Two-Year Agenda identifying 15
major tasks.
One of the important change we have brought about is in the way approach the meetings and discussions using the concepts
of Modern Meeting Standards, where we have brain-storming sessions to understand each other’s views and once an
agreement is reached, we bring it to BOD meetings to decision making. This approach enables us to avoid conflicts and
work unitedly. During that last 3 months, the members and about 20 highly motivated volunteers in various committees
spent over 20 hours in various brain-storming sessions on one or more of these tasks. Following is the summary of progress
in each of these tasks:
1. Official Communication: Keeping in view the importance of direct communication with its members, the Central VSNA
officers – President and Secretary have on multiple occasions initiated direct communication. These included periodical
greets, convention announcements and breaking-news aligned to the mission of the organization. We have about 1300
email subscribers. Steps are being taken to mobilize additions subscribers. Communication via chapter-presidents, the
ground soldiers representing Central VSNA continues.
2. Annual Convention Advisory : The Central VSNA Advisory worked very hard to ensure the annual conventions continue
to be held keeping with the aspirations of its members who look forward to convention every year. It took a while, but
we managed to mobilize the vast potential that existed in the New York chapter. New York chapter will be hosting the
convention in New Jersey after a gap of 12 years. The last time they hosted was in 2003. The convention team is
working very hard to make this event a great success. We expect attendance of over 800 registrants. All are requested
to register early at the 2015-VSNA Convention Site. The convention team is supported by a highly motivated central
BOD and BOR members and volunteers, which meets periodically to advise and guide the convention team.
3. Ten Year - Annual Conventions Readiness: The task group had a very inspiring discussion on this topic to streamline
the local chapter preparedness for the convention for the next 10 years. The plan is to motivate and get the local
chapters started with the convention thought process early on. On this note, for 2016, VSNA Maryland chapter is all set
for hosting the 2016 convention. Georgia chapter is working towards 2017 convention. Detroit, Chicago and Toronto
chapters have been invited to host conventions for years – 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. The task group will have
follow-up meetings with all chapters to ensure our readiness.
4. Web-Site and Social Media: VSNA now has 3 main web sites – VSNA Main Site, Matrimony and Convention sites. It
was planned to merge all 3 sites. However due to criticality of convention, we host content on 2 sites with Matrimony
site as the sub domain of the main site. Plans are underway to create a online membership registration using tools such
as Wild Apricot.
5. Newsletter – Baandhavya & Spiritual Communication: Attempts are being made to improve the content of Baandhavya.
We welcome anyone who wants contribute in any manner towards this newsletter. Please contact newsletter@vsna.org.
All past newsletters can be viewed online. See VSNA-Resources-Newsletters.
6. Rejuvenate Local Chapters: The task group had a brain-storming session. Various ideas have been gathered. Details
are online – VSNA-Resources-How To Rejuvenate Local Chapters. This document will be updated periodically with
new ideas and for use by all local chapters to incorporate.
7. Youth Participation: The task group met on several occasions. Plan is to form youth executive team and formalize via
VSNA Bylaws, so that members get elected to official positions.
8. Accounting & Investment Management: The task group meets to ensure the accounts are audited and assets invested
to ensure growth.
9. Election Committee: The election committee is now created and will perform for two years. The committee carried out
their task of filling 3 vacant BOD seats.
10. Bylaw Committee: The bylaw committee consisting of 3 former Central VSNA Presidents are working on reviewing
recommendations of the earlier task group that submitted their report and also to include provision on how VSNA can
play positive role when members initiate organizations that are aligned with mission of VSNA and extend the mission

23

11.

12.
13.

14.

to fulfil local interests. We expect the revised articles to be ready in the next few months so that BOD can approve and
send to General Body for final approval.
Life-Membership Drive & Dasoha: The task group met briefly to brain-storm on how to motivate local chapter members
to become life-members of Central VSNA. The felt it was not about membership fees but the lack of motivation and the
spread of message of VSNA. The group has few ideas to experiment at convention. The work on increasing membership
will continue.
Scholarship Fundraising: The task group has initiated to increase scholarship amounts for essays competitions and to
seek donors for scholarship funds.
Welcome Kit, Brochures and Guidelines Documents: The plan is to prepare printed documents and brochures so that
the package can be distributed to new life-members and also mail certain gifts or souvenirs to life-members at least
once a year. The task group plans to meet during second quarter.
Awards Committee: The task group for the next two years has been formed. They will carry out the tasks of inviting
nominations for various VSNA awards and assessing the award winners.

BOR Updates
By - Laxmi Hiremath, Board of Regents, Chair
I am truly humbled and honored to serve as your Chairman of the Board of Regents. Thank you again for re-electing me for
yet another two year term 2015-16 as your BOR Chair. One of the best VSNA rewards to me is becoming the Chairman of
the Board of Regents. It has been very satisfying and fulfilling.
Welcome New Team!
I have worked to bring innovative approaches in the last few years. I will do so in my new term and continue the notable
work that we have been doing. I welcome my new BOR team members, Rohini Mensinkai, Shylendra Kumar, Jayashree
Jagadeesh, Uma Sajjan, Dada Patil, and Rajeev Kumar. I am privileged to lead an outstanding team.
The Board of Regents, although an independent body in itself, works closely with the Board of Directors for enriching the
VSNA community. We will identify and implement short and long term projects as we have done before, bring them to
fruition, turn over to BOD to make them operational and run effectively. I am excited and look forward to working closely
with the entire team!
Former BOR Team Endeavors!
Last two years have been an amazing journey. My teammates support and dedication has been crucial every step of the
way. BOR team, year 2013-14 consisted of Dr. Nagabhushan, Dada Patil, Mamatha Hirannaiah, Uma Sajjan and Rajeev
Kumar. I am very proud to say, my teammates were very enthusiastic and steadfast. We all worked as a team.
Let's look back on our record of accomplishments, from the historic Matrimonial Service, VSNA Directory, Youth
Scholarship, Youth Executive Board, and Religious Committee. We hit the social media as well, I have launched a VSNA
Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club and a closed Youth Group on Facebook.

24

Matrimonial Service project was headed by Uma Sajjan two years ago. I must add, she has very dutifully dedicated her
efforts to this project. There was no avenue for Veerashaiva boys and girls born and raised in the US to meet other than in
the local chapter or at conventions. The purpose was to provide an online forum for the youths to start a conversation and
perhaps find their future spouses. I am happy to announce the website was launched last year. I would like to convey special
thanks to Mruthyunjay Hiremath from Central CA chapter in coordinating and providing a website designer in India and
making it cost effective. Uma Sajjan took the opportunity to launch the site at the Dallas Convention with honorable Tumkur
Hiremath Swamiji. The site was only in the initial stages. Swamiji mentioned to us, the home page looked like an ad for
Indian jewelry. I looked at several other matrimonial sites and suggested to my team a more modern theme for our youths
than the traditional coconuts and jewelry. Mruthyunjay Hiremath provided several images for selection, we voted amongst
our team members and made the choice. Rajeev Kumar came up with numerous title names, we voted yet again to select
‘Soul Mates’. Mamatha and Uma provided their expertise in functionality and worked on the backend of the site. Dada Patil
and Dr. Nagabhushan provided their valuable input along the way. Today, I am proud to see many registrations and profiles,
thanks to all my team for making this a reality.
We worked on the monumental task of putting together the VSNA Directory list. Dada Patil along with BOD members Yuvaraj
Patil and Basavaraj Mudenur coordinated with the chapter presidents for updated address list. Our tech expert Mamatha
Hirannaiah created the excel format for 1200 names.
Youth Scholarship was led by Dada Patil. We received several applications. As always, the judging was done by the youths.
We have a Youth Executive Board in place, thanks to Rajeev Kumar for his efforts in bringing the youngsters together via
the Facebook.
A new project was started by Dr. Nagabhushan which is helpful to the community at large. He aspires to set up a religious
committee and appoint few members at every chapter level to train them to perform birth, marriage and funeral as per the
Veerashaiva rites. We will pursue this project moving forward.
Board of Regents is a team. We stick together, we respect one another, and we listen to each other. That's what has helped
us accomplish the big things.
Plan for Future
We held our first meeting in January with the new team and broached some ideas. We are going to ‘work out of the box!’ I
want my team to help me identify where they see opportunities to make critical progress for the organization and direct
BOR's work this year and ahead and what lines in the sand they want to draw! We have new ideas to confront let's build on
it in the year ahead, and we must do it together. I hope you will join me on this new journey.
My goal is also to encourage more women and youths at all levels including the top, to change the dynamics and reshape
the VSNA Organization with fresh ideas.
I would like to work closely with the BOD to connect with our community members and make them feel as a family in
America.
As your BOR Chairman, I look forward to serving you in the coming years. We have younger, smarter, talented people let’s
involve everyone to make VSNA a stronger, vibrant organization.

25

VSNA Local Chapters Updates
VSNA - Texas South Chapter
The Texas – South VSNA Chapter aka Houston Chapter conducts monthly programs called Mahamane. Following are few
highlights of Mahamane for the past three months:
March 2015 Mahamane: This month, we performed Guru Basaveshwara Pooja and Shoonya Sampadane Day
remembering the teachings of Sharana Allama Prabhu. Our VSNA kids – Khushal, Khushi, Aditya, Shreyas, Shailesh,
recited vachanas. Some briefs of discussions:
Allama Prabhu by Annu: Allama Prabhu was a drummer during his early stage, and one day he saw a light beaming out of
a cave, in curiosity he reached the cave and saw a Muni Animisayya meditating by concentrating at Linga in his palm, this
light which Allama Prabhu saw was beaming out through this Linga. Allama Prabhu went in search of the divine Guru who
provided this linga and finally reached Guru Basavanna. Thereafter his journey started Anubhava Mantapa and was the first
sharana to achieve Sunya Sampadane.
Allama Prabhu Vachana walkthrough by Jagadish Biradar:
ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಧನ್ವನ ೊಲ ಲನ ಂಬ
ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸತಿಯ್ನ ೊಲ ಲನ ಂಬ
ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರದ ೈವವನ ೊಲ ಲನ ಂಬ
ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಲಿಂಗ ಜಂಗಮ್ ಒಂದ ೇ ಎಂಬ
ಛಲ ಬ ೇಕು ಶರಣಂಗ ಪರಸಾದ ದಿಟ್ವ ಂಬ
ಛಲವಿಲಲದವರ ಮಚಿ ನ್ಮ್ಮ ಕೊಡಲ ಸಂಗಮ್ ದ ೇವ
TRANSLATION
Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘I don’t want other’s wealth’.
Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘I don’t want other’s wife’.
Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘I don’t want other God’.
Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘Linga, the God and Jangama are one’.
Persistence is needed for the devotee to cause to say ‘the truth is that everything is Prasada’.
Our God Koodalasangamadeva will not admire those who don’t have persistence!
VSNA Houston Chapter made its first appearance at the Houston Food Bank on March 28, 2015. It was a very satisfying
and fulfilling activity which the kids and adults thoroughly enjoyed participating in. The energy, the atmosphere that exists
there is very infectious and within no time we had completed our activity!

26

February 2015 Mahamane: This month we celebrated Maha
Shivarathri by performing Ishta Linga Pooja. Our VSNA kids– Puneet,
Aditya and Anu recited vachanas.
We discussed - why all sharanas respected Basavanna and followed
him with such a faith…It was because of Basavanna, that sharanas
were able to seek the divine path and this information is written in one
of the vachanas.
Tit Bits - Awesome food, very tasty! Next Mahamane to be hosted by
Harish and Kavya family. Tentative date – March 21st.

January 2015 Mahamane: This month we celebrated Siddarameshwar
Jayanthi. VSNA kids – Shailesh, Shreyas, Puneet, Aditya, Khushi, Jay
and Anu recited vachanas. Hats off to our kids. You do a wonderful job on
vachana recital. Because of you we are learning.
Anushree gave a talk on Siddarameshwar. We also discussed - Why we
need to pray daily and why praying is important.
Following are our chapter office-bearers for 2015 - Jagadeesh Halyal President; Arun Sajjan - Vice-President, Akshay Basavaraju – Treasurer;
Mukta Satewar - Executive Member, Siddarameshwar Bagali - Executive
Member.
Mrs. Mukta discussed the topic of Dasoha activity and confirmed the date as March 28th. We also celebrated 27th Anniversary
of Harish and Kavya Hiremath by cutting awesome tasty strawberry Cake! We wish you a Happy Anniversary!
Dec 2015 Mahamane: Mahamane was started off with Ishta Linga pooja along with Guru Pooja and Vachana Recitals by
Kids. Mrs. Jagadish Biradar shared know-how about Basavanna and Linga described in vachana by Channabasavanna:
Vachana in Kannada

There is a saying Basaveshwara is beginner (Aadi),
Linga existing from eternity (Anadi),
Lie, lie this cannot be heard,
Linga is beginner (Aadi),
Basavanna is senior to Linga (Anadi),
Linga is born in the stomach of Basavanna,
Jangama is born in the stomach of Basavanna,
Prasada is born in the stomach of Basavanna,
I came to notice, Basavanna is the only cause for this threefold
ethics,
O Lord Koodalachennasangamadeva.

VSNA – Ohio Chapter
The VSNA Ohio chapter is undergoing an exciting transformation to revitalize the group! As part of this transformation, the
members were surveyed to collaboratively define the Ohio Chapter Mission Statement and the Values in layman terms.
Additionally, this survey gave us insights into improvement opportunities such as Youth Engagement, Volunteering and
Membership Drive.
Sankranthi & Shiva Rathri festivals were celebrated with the Linga Puja, devotional songs and kids narrating the significance
of each festival. Kids were alerted beforehand about the “surprise quiz” which led to some exciting suspense! We saw them
scrambling to google and furiously taking notes before the 2 events. At this rate these kids will know more about the festivals
and the history than us!
A surprise element! Nishkala Mantapa’s Swami Nijagunda’s riveting speech was played during Shiva Rathri festival
celebration. Truly inspirational and an eye opener! We will be opening the doors to all religions provided they embrace our
mission statement/values and the spirit of Veerashaivism!
Instilling Veerashaivism values for many of us becomes an afterthought in our busy lives or set aside for the cultural gettogether where vachanas are read and translated. But how about real life application of it? We at VSNA Ohio think that the
best expression of Veerashaivism is through volunteering. It’s through such elementary human interaction and dignity of
labor that the younger generation are finding their role models, a sense of gratitude and stay grounded. And establish their
value system along the way.

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We hand-picked top volunteering causes based on member surveys using “Survey-Monkey”, a free online tool that helped
in decision making. To establish our commitment we defined the volunteering calendar/participation for the rest of the year
2015. Volunteering is now a monthly activity and a way of life for us. VSNA Ohio provides the supporting structure/avenue
to express yourself with the cause you feel most passionate about! Some examples:
 In January, we served lunch Chipotle style at YWCA, an organization that provides food/shelter as well as career
enablement for temporary displaced citizens.
 In February, kids baked cookies at Ronald McDonald Home that provides housing/food for families with severely sick
children in the hospital.
 In March, the group attended an orientation session for Meals on Wheels, a program that hand delivers meals to senior
citizens. They are also scheduled to deliver meals later this month (Ever wonder if your kids will be around to take care
of you when old? The kids here tag along and observe the elderly being taken care of by us. We hope they will be
emulating us in time.
Before we close out, we wanted to share a genius idea the group came up with! How do you get everyone to think like one
big family and instill a sense of purpose? Through personalized VSNA Ohio T-shirts, of course! They are now being worn
during each of the volunteering activities as well as picnics! Talk about upping the cool factor for the kids/teenagers. We are
very proud of VSNA Ohio's community engagement in the last quarter and looking to keep the momentum going!

Sankranthi Photo

Shivarathri Photo

Dasoha at Ron McDonald House

Dasoha at YWCA

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VSNA – California North Chapter
By – Renuka P. Suragihalli, President
VSNA California North Chapter
Shivarathri was celebrated by the VSNA North California chapter in the auditorium of Ever Green High School in San Jose,
CA, on the evening of March 6, 2015. The event was attended by the members from as far as San Ramon and Modesto,
CA. There was a lot of excitement among the members to see each other, talk and exchange pleasantries. Members were
greeted at the gate by the committee members and a registration desk. Snacks, Tea and Coffee was served to all the
members and each family were given a Welcome kit that contained a Calendar, Vibhuti, a book on Basavanna and a metal
"Om". Members were very happy to have received the kit. This was the first time in the history of VSNA North California to
be giving a Welcome kit. A lot of members renewed their memberships along with quite a few new members join the
organization.
After the snacks, entertainment programs began with a prayer song followed by Shiva linga puja performed by a group of
ladies on the stage. This was followed by a series of dances and dramas by the kids who were very enthusiastic about
performing on the stage and are very talented. Dinner was served at 8 PM in a big dining hall that was in another building
in the campus. All the members were served food by volunteers. The food was very good and you could see that in the
members' eyes while they were eating. Three of the past presidents sponsored Ice cream for all the members. This was a
great gesture from the past presidents. Kids and adults together ate Ice cream.
This was followed by some more entertainment programs performed by the Adults. A couple of ladies' teams danced. A
drama followed the dances. The drama was a comical one and was liked by all. A group of men danced for the song
"Jogaiyya" and it was very much appreciated. The event ended at 11 PM with the national anthems of India and America.
Apart from the membership kit being a highlight of the event, membership for this year is the highest so far in the VSNA NC
history, Over 400 people attended the event. The event was very well organized and executed. A lot of praise goes to all
the volunteers who helped the committee members in carrying out the event.
Highlights:
 Record membership for VSNA North California - 146 members;
 Record new Members registration;

Welcome kit was given to each of the Members;
 Approximately 400 - people attended the event; Proactive youth committee.

Links to additional photos:
 VSNA-Califirnia-Shivarathri-2015 Photos

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VSNA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New York-New Jersey Chapter
As you all know, the VSNA Chapter of New York New Jersey is extremely busy in preparation for the 2015 VSNA
Convention, along with our regular local programs, we have been observing the energy and enthusiasm among the local
members increasing. Thanks to founders of VSNY and VSNA in establishing the organization on its firm footing. This is
obviously due the steadfast vision of Basaveshwara, and we, the followers who have adopted this philosophy as our mission.
Our Shivarathri program showed high enthusiasm and attendance. Over 250 local members attended the Shivarathri
program. The main events of the program were Linga Puja, Understanding the concept of Dasoha and distribution of
Scholarship awards to our youth. The 2015 VSNA Convention committee also presented their preparedness and solicited
active participation from all in the region. Thanks to Central VSNA President, Channu Kambalyal, who was present at the
program and addressed the local members and motivated them to participate in Convention that occurs once in almost
more than 10 years and to leverage this opportunity to grow the local memberships in the region.

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VSNA – Chicago Chapter
The VSNA Chicago Chapter had a great start with new set of officers – Kishore Channabasavaiah, Chapter President,
Deepa Murugesh Patil, Vice-President and Rajesh Hattarki, Secretary and Treasurer, leading the organization. The first
program of our seven programs, was the Makara Sankaramana program conducted at Mario Parente Theatre, Oak Brook
Terrace on January 17, 2015. The program was sponsored by Bharathi & Eshwar Pastapur, Rekha & Kiran Tavane, and
Shridevi & Shashidhar Shivayogimath. The highlights of the program were Linga Puje led by Shrishail Hadimani. VSNA
youth – Tejas Hullur, Yash Vaggar and Roshan Betkerur were the Masters of Ceremony for the program. Our local chapter
president Kishore Channabasavaiah introduced to all, our own Channu Kambalyal who is now leading the organization at
the central level as its President, and also BOR Member – Rajiv Kumar and BOD Member – Neetha Dhananjaya.

Our second program was Shivarathri conducted on March 7, 2015 at Park Central Banquet Hall, Rolling Meadows. The
program was sponsored by Uma & Sachidananda Murthy. The program was started off with Linga Puja with our spiritual
leader â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Shrishail Hadimani for all kids and adults. VSNA youth - Tejas Hullur and Meghana Basavaraju were the Masters
of Ceremony for the program. Some of the photos of the program are:

VSNA – North Carolina Chapter
Updates By
Pooja Korategere and Sanjana Tharuvesanchi
(Youth Leaders)
Maha Shivarathri 2015: A new year means a new start and a new board for VSNA NC 2015. Our first meeting
of the New Year was to celebrate Shivaratri, or the night dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Shivaratri literally
means “The Great Night of Shiva” and is believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvathi. The function started
with the introduction of the new board; Ashwini Korategere, Shalu Lalsangi, Reshma Tharuvesanchi, and
Archana Prabhushankar. The board also introduced the new idea of youth volunteers where four kids, over the
age of eleven, will help out with the event. The youth volunteers are assigned with tasks and to help at each
meeting. As a volunteer I had many jobs to complete. I helped lead the abhisheka to the Shiva linga. Afterwards
I helped lead the group in vachana chanting. After the vachana chanting, kids sang several songs devoted to
Shiva.
The board also started a new segment in which two guest speakers will talk about a topic related to the
Celebrations. We listened to two lectures on fasting. One was a more spiritual approach spoken by Dr. Shankar
Bale, and the second from a more medical approach spoken by Dr. Anil Tumbapura. Later, we ate a delicious,
traditional South Indian dinner made by our wonderful members. Typical foods eaten on Shivarathri were served;
including, uppittu, usuli, laddu, and kesaribath. The Board then discussed matters such as volunteering and
community service opportunities, Financial and Membership updates, Central VSNA updates and upcoming
programs.
Overall, this function was very enjoyable and a great learning experiences as well. I am looking forward to many
fun, informative, well planned events throughout the next two years. Since it was the first event of the new VSNC
term, many new members were able to socialize and meet older VSNA members. “Maha Shivarathri” was a
great way to kick off the new term and hopefully it leads to a good year!
Wishing the new board good luck on their endeavors!!

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VSNA – California – South Chapter

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Obituary

Dr. Jagadish Kothegal

VSNA Community is deeply saddened to inform that Dr. Jagadish Kothegal attained Lingaikya on Feb 1st,
2015. He is survived by his beloved wife Madhu, his two children Anubhav & Trupti. Dr. Jagadish will be truly
missed by each and every one of us.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, Feb 7th from 11am - 1pm at the funeral home mentioned below,
followed by a procession to White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, MI.
The family was joined by friends and relatives for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Punnya Thithiâ&#x20AC;? ceremony at their house. Central VSNA
was represented by Mr. Sanjeev Mungaravadi, VSNA Detroit Chapter.
The BOD Members performed a One Minute Silence during their February 2015 BOD Meeting in honor of Dr.
Kothegal.